UNIT 5: REVOLUTIONS (1750–1900)

Isaac Newton

Scientist who defined laws of motion and gravity; inspired Enlightenment thought.

Heliocentric Theory

The idea that the sun is the center of the universe; challenged Church doctrine.

John Locke

Enlightenment thinker advocating natural rights and social contract.

Social Contract

The agreement between people and government; foundation of modern democracy.

Philosophes

Enlightenment thinkers promoting reason and reform.

Enlightenment

A movement emphasizing reason and science; challenged traditional authority.

Liberalism

A political ideology supporting individual rights and limited government.

Conservatism

A belief favoring tradition and gradual change.

Nationalism

Loyalty to a nation; fueled revolutions and independence movements.

Abolitionism

A movement to end slavery; challenged moral and economic systems.

Wealth of Nations

Adam Smith's book promoting free markets; foundation of capitalism.

Capitalism

An economic system based on private ownership and profit.

Mary Wollstonecraft

Advocated women's rights; expanded Enlightenment ideals.

René Descartes

A philosopher emphasizing reason and logic.

Scientific Method

A systematic process for scientific inquiry.

Thomas Hobbes

A philosopher supporting strong government for order.

Tabula Rasa

The belief humans are born as blank slates.

Voltaire

A critic of absolutism advocating free speech and tolerance.

Deism

A belief combining religion and reason.

Empiricism

The belief knowledge comes from observation.

Adam Smith

An economist advocating free markets.

Laissez-Faire

An economic policy of minimal government involvement.

Utopianism

The idea of a perfect society; inspired reform movements.

Three Estates

The social classes of pre-revolutionary France.

Declaration of Independence

A document declaring American independence using Enlightenment ideas.

Declaration of the Rights of Man

A French revolutionary document affirming equality and rights.

Reign of Terror

A period of mass executions during the French Revolution.

Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité

French revolutionary ideals.

Simón Bolívar

A leader of Latin American independence movements.

Toussaint L'Ouverture

Leader of the Haitian Revolution; led the only successful slave revolt.